Is Google planning an ultra-fast fibre broadband network for the UK?

Google is contemplating the construction of an ultra-fast broadband network in the UK, it has been reported.

According to the Telegraph, the web giant - which currently operates fibre broadband services in four US cities - is targeting the British market.

The news provider said Google has held "detailed talks" with fibre-to-the-premises specialist CityFibre - the company that is working with Sky and TalkTalk on York's new super-fast broadband network.

CityFibre already operates in more than 50 urban locations in the UK, and has more than 30,000km of fibre-optic cables in the ground.

The talks between Google and CityFibre - geared at bringing Google Fibre to the UK - reportedly broke down due to the latter's existing relationship with Sky.

CityFibre feared that Sky would consider Google to be a future rival in the pay-TV market. As a consequence, the firm backed away from any potential deal.

However, it is believed that Google - which is set to expand its US fibre broadband network to 34 cities as part of a major infrastructure rollout - is still considering its options for the British market.

"Google historically has always publicly said it would never build fibre outside the US," a source told the Telegraph.

"But in the background it is talking to people here in the UK and looking at projects. It makes sense; Britain is its biggest market outside the US."

Google confirmed that talks with CityFibre did take place, and that no contractual agreement was reached between the two operators.

The web giant said it is not expecting to launch fibre-optic services in Britain any time soon.

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